Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - FIVE Lessons Learned

I spent some time exploring the 2015 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  This was my first time at this event.  As a first timer at any event I'd like to share FIVE things that could make your experience better.

The biggest thing I learned is the #GPLB is not just a race but an EVENT!  

GPLB Racing Circuit & Area Map.
Internet Photo from www.gplg.com website.

There are several racing categories from the Pirelli World Challenge, Pro/Celebrity Racing, IMSA TUDOR Championship, Traxxas SPEED Energy Trucks, Indy Lights, Indy Car and KMC Wheels Super Drift competitions all weekend long.  Friday is a practice day for the competitors.

Team Penske prepping their cars for practice; Will Power, Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

The "Lifestyle EXPO" has over 150 displays and is the equivalent of the Fan Zone at a NASCAR race (except bigger).  The EXPO was in the air conditioned Long Beach Convention Center with interactive displays including go carts, rock climbing, virtual racing, radio controlled cars, as well as, static displays from car manufactures, other racing facilities and racing sponsors.

Friday & Saturday night concerts keep the fans rocking into the night.

Here are FIVE recommendations for anyone attending;

1.  Get your ass up EARLY so that you can enjoy the day.  I live about an hour away and didn't leave the house until about 10:30 am, arriving at about 12 noon.  Had I gotten up to arrive as the gates opened at 7 am, I would have had more time to explore the EXPO area 
instead of rushing through to get to the track.  

2.  Pack up and take the RV to a nearby campground to limit your hassle of southern California traffic.  This will also help with recommendation #1 so you can arrive earlier to take advantage of the more of the offered activities. 

2.  Pre-purchase parking online.  City parking was limited to nearby garages at a cost of $25+ for the day.  Although it was a short walk to the ticket booth, you can save yourself a few buck if your buy parking in advance.

3.  Take plenty of cash or eat before you get there.  Although the "Fair Style" food was amazing, it was also extremely expensive.  $9 - $12 for a Hot Dog or Burger.  Ouch!  If that's your thing go for it, otherwise pack a lunch or eat before you go.  

Fair-style food was awesome, but a bit pricey!  $9 - $12 Hot Dogs & Burgers, $4 for a bottled water.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

4.  Attend the All Driver Fan Appreciation Autograph session.  Your are able to meet and get pictures with several of the Indy Car drivers and walk through the Indy Car paddock area to get some cool pictures.  I think what made this the most fun was the drivers actually looked like they were have fun!

Juan Pablo Montoya singing autographs for one of his smallest fans at the Team Penske Haulers,
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

5.  Take your radio scanner with you!  Although reception was poor at many areas of the track, it worked well on the front stretch for listening to the action on the track during the Indy Car events.  Racing Electronic had a trailer for programming it to the #GPLB specific frequencies.

This event is "Guru Approved" and I highly recommend anyone with racing in their blood to check it out.  It is highly likely that I will go again in the future.  

This event is not only "Guru Approve" but "Firehawk Approved".
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Indy Car practice at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

WHAT would YOU recommend to others going to the races?

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